Miami Ski Club Happy Hour at Atchana's

A sure way to spend a fun Friday night is in the Grove. Tomorrow, Friday, April 1 from 6 to 8 pm the Miami Ski Club is having one of their weekly happy hours at Atchana's East/ West Kitchen located in the Lobby of Mutiny Hotel, poolside.

$8 valet available, however, if you stay for dinner, valet will be validated. The Mutiny is located at 2951 S. Bayshore Drive. For info, please call 305-441-2100.

Relay For Life takes place this weekend

Relay for Life, an event to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who lost their battle with cancer, is taking place at LaSalle High School (3601 S. Miami Avenue) this Saturday, April 2, starting at 6pm and it offers everyone in our community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.

It will be a fun-filled night with music, comedians and food that everyone in the family can enjoy. Starting at 10.30 pm, comedians John Wynn, Jessica Gross and Dominic Perenzin are featured, as well as a DJ to add to the celebration. This is an all night celebration where team members take turns walking around a track non-stop, they'll camp out on the school grounds all night.

A Survivors Lap takes place first, where cancer survivors gather and walk around the track together to celebrate their victory. After nightfall, there is a candlelight ceremony

For additional information, you can visit their web page here, or contact Amy at hudwalker@gmail.com. Come out to support those who have cancer and help create a world with more birthdays and less cancer!

Plymouth Church presenting "The Music Man"

Plymouth Congregational Church's amateur theater group "Plymouth Players," under the direction of Judy Niblock is performing the junior version of Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" Saturday night April 2, at 8 pm in Davis Fellowship Hall behind the church.

The church organist and director of music, Dr. Robert Heath will play Professor Harold Hill.

General admission is $10.00 and includes an ice cream social following the performance. Seating is limited so call the office to reserve a seat. 305 444-6521. The church is at 3400 Devon Road.

Sea hippies kayak for Cancer


Castaways Against Cancer is a group of friends who kayak from Miami to Key West to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This is a photo from last year's trip.

This year they are shoving off from Dinner Key, right here in Coconut Grove. Since their first kayak trip 10 years ago, they have raised over $300,000. They are the eighth largest contributor to the cause in these 10 years. The 12 friends, self proclaimed "sea hippies," travel the 165 miles in seven days.

Steve O'Brien (right) is the brains behind the kayaking fundraiser, after losing his mother and grandmother to cancer in 1999, he decided he needed to do something. The Key West native first started kayaking at age 42 to just "get away," he found peace and spirituality on the water. His sister Kim, joined him.

In 1998, his friends and co-workers from Christopher Columbus High School in west Dade, decided to paddle from Key Largo to Key West, just to see if they could do it and the rest is history.

The embark on Saturday, June 11 from Dinner Key and arrive in Key West on Friday, June 17, you can follow them on Twitter here.

You can read Steve's inspring story at the Castaways website here.

You can donate here.


This is one of the stops along the way on last year's trip.

Today's Bed Race meeting is rescheduled

The scheduled Bed Race committee meeting for today at 5:30 pm has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, April 6 at 3 pm at The Bookstore (3399 Virginia Street).

Anyone is welcome to sit in at the meeting.

This year there are lots of new things planned, we are even trying to see if betting is an option. You know, betting on the actual racing beds. Stay tuned for that!

Join the Grove Drum Circle for a magical evening

They’re back! The Coconut Grove Drum Circle will be beating their drums on Saturday, April 2, during the First Saturday Gallery Walk. Discover or rediscover the healing magic of the drum. Bring your drums and other percussion instruments, your tambourines, shakers, and even hoola-hoops. No expertise is required, they are there for the joy of drumming and will be dancing and drumming all evening with drummer Mark Richards setting the beat. Seating and some drums and other instruments will be available.

Park at the corner lot on Grand Ave and Fuller Street or anywhere on the streets of the Grove. Come drum with them …you will feel the energy and the love. Since it is also Gallery Walk the galleries, restaurants, and musicians all over town, will be contributing to the magic of the evening. Questions, call Karen at 305-401-2644 or email karen.deilke@gmail.com.

Coconut Grove Gallery Walk is Saturday

The Coconut Grove Gallery Walk is Saturday night, April 2. From 7 to 10 pm, all Grove galleries are open and offering food, drink and lots of art. There is plenty of live music, too, from one end of town to the other from Commodore Plaza to the Mayfair Promenade and Atrium. This group is in front of AC Arts at 2911 Grand Avenue.

Galleries include:
AC Fine Arts - 2911 Grand Avenue
Artway66 - Mayfair Promenade (across from The Improv)
Blu Moon - 3444 Main Highway (way upstairs)
Coconut Grove Arts Festival (two galleries at Atrium) - 3390 Mary Street
Cristina Chacon - 3162 Commodore Plaza
Dharma Studio - 3170 Commodore Plaza
GroveHouse Artistst - Mayfair Promenade (next to The Improv)
Max in the Grove - 2996 McFarlane Road
Rodez Gallery - CocoWalk (2nd floor)

And of course the Mayfair Promenade where there is art, music and food.

Community Bay Day is this Sunday

Shake-a-Leg Miami will be holding its monthly Community Bay Day on Sunday, April 3, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The event is open to the public at Shake-a-Leg'd sailing center, 2620 South Bayshore Drive.

Community Bay Day is the monthly open house where the public can take advantage of everything Shake-a-Leg Miami offers - including sailing, kayaking and power boating. Community Bay Day is also an opportunity to learn about camps, lessons, and other activities offered. Shake-a-Leg Miami is a non-profit organization that offers lessons, water sports rentals, and special outings in addition to being one of the largest adaptive water sports centers in the United States.

No reservations are required. A $5 donation is requested as an entrance fee. Parking is free for all guests. For more information, please visit www.shakealegmiami.org or call (305) 858-5550.

Grove Elementary begins "To the Top" campaign

Coconut Grove Elementary School is turning 100 this year. They are the oldest operating school in Dade County.

To raise money for their new media center, the "To the Top" campaign has been started. You may donate by using the form on their blog here.

The art of George Bethea to be featured

"New Work," the art of George Bethea, will be featured at the Coconut Grove Arst Festival Gallery II. The opening reception is April 2 during the Gallery Walk night from 7 to 9 pm, and the exhibit will run through May 25.

George is a classic modernist and abstract artist who lives and works in Miami. From his promo flyer: "His work is characterized by sensious, congested, textured surfaces and luxuriant color. He composes his abstract paintings by using flexible, transparent acrylic mediums which allow him to spray, pour and pile on the paint. His paintings have been exhibited and reviewed in North America and Europe. His work can be found in numerous public and private collections in the U.S., Canada, Europe and throughout the Caribbean."

The Gallery is at the Mayfair Atrium on Grand Avenue.

Bali Ha'i at The Kampong is like going back in time

A sold out crowd attended The Kampong's 17th Annual Bali Ha'i event on Sunday.


It was like going back in time, as guests enjoyed food, drink and entertainment among the untouched old-Florida-style waterfront grounds for the yearly garden party.


Joy Wallace Catering, Whole Foods and Lucini Italia were among the caterers. Conch Sliders by Chef Cindy Hutson are served above.

There was also a VIP "Party Under the Palms" event.


Lots of delicious wine was served, on the perfect, Spring Florida day.

All money raised supports The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and The South Florida Chapter of The American Institute of Wine and Food.

Photos by Annemarie Poyo Furlong

An Excellent Opera Adventure at The Kampong

The Kampong is having "An Excellent Opera Adventure" on Saturday, April 9.

It's Opera for the whole family put on by the Manny Perez Vocal Studio, as part of The Kampong Kids Music Series. The light hearted program of opera's most special moments have been created especially for children and will be presented in the beautiful setting of The Kampong performing pavilion. International and emerging singers will be accompanied by Maestro Daniel Daroca.

This is a daytime event from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Gates open at 12:45 pm. Designed for children in preschool and elementary schoool, the program includes selections from The Little Mermaid and Phantom of the Opera. Tickets are $25 for adults and children are $15 for over 3 years old. Price includes snack after concert and fun art project for the kids. Proceeds from the concert support The Kampong's living collections and educational programs.

Tickets are available here: http://kampongevent.ntbg.org or by calling 305.442.7169. Seats are limited and only available by reservation only. No walk-ins. The Kampong is located at 4013 South Douglas Road.

Zen Village offering three day retreat

Zen Village is offering a three day retreat. It's a full immersion into the Zen way of living and lifestyle. It will take place at the center (3570 Main Highway), and will teach you how to interact with a traditional environment and with a sacred temple.

The retreat starts Friday, April 6 at 9 am and goes until Sunday, April 10 at 7 pm.

Begin by learning to slow down your pace and relax your mind. You will be able to learn a profound and overall view of your spiritual life in this series of retreats.

On the agenda:
Relaxation breathing exercises and yoga
Self-healing massage
Tea ceremony experience
Zen Philosophy
How to nurture yourself
How to elevate your experience of life
You will have a chance to communicate directly with a Master and with students as well.

There will be five lectures, ten practice sessions, one Tea Ceremony Experience, two nights at the temple, and Zen meals included. Spring is a time for renewal. It's a weekend for you to relax, nourish and enjoy a peaceful temple environment with refreshing meals, meditative walks around the Stupa; study with Sangha friends, and much more, at the temple of Zen Village.

Staying overnight is optional, but recommended, as they will be practicing until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and breakfast will be served at 7 am on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The retreat costs $250 for members and $275 for non-members. Register by calling: 305-567-0165.

Old fashioned candy sold at House of Frost

House of Frost (3111 Commodore Plaza) has something new -- candy -- sold by the weight. There's a wall full of goodies like M&M's and malt balls and lolipops. We had some tootsie rolls and jelly beans. They candy is $2.99 per quarter pound. They also have Cake Pops, which are cupcakes on sticks, like lilipops. There's red velvet and chocolate and vanilla and all their flavors actually. Cara Isabella, all color coordinated here, just finished eating a cupcake, still our favorite thing at House of Frost, the Grove's only cupcake store. And don't forget, for a limited time, mention the Coconut Grove Grapevine and receive a BOGO on cupcakes -- buy one, get one free.

The town came out to Howl in the Woods last night

Last night, Solar Dogs performed at the Howl in the Woods concert at Shell Lumber.


The Dogs performed Americana, Country & Western, Bluegrass and Blues. From left, Zip Robertson was on vocals, guitar and harmonica, Bill Kunz was on fiddle and mandolin, Eric Wagner was on vocals, guitar and mandolin and Steve Gaskell played upright bass.


Just like last year, there was not only the music, but lots of local artists showed their art, there was barbecue sold by Joyce Wallace Catering and a couple of bars were set up. Above are David Kaplan, Ed Leeds, Laura Pashaei and AnnaMaria Windish-Hunt.


Artists Theresa Calluori and Debra Starbuck check out Theresa's art.


Artists Audrey Scott, Don Calhoun and Celia Reigle.


Artist Dan Bondroff shows off his work. Dan told me he had his best year ever last month at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.


Glenn and Francesca Terry showed off art and hoola-hoops. Bill Kunz and Solar Dogs are involved with Miami Music Project, which was last night's beneficiary. They take old musical instruments and donate them to children in need.


The lumber yard is turning out to be a perfect venue for culture in our town. In January, you'll remember, Shakespeare was performed at Shell Lumber, for a couple of weekends to full houses.


Todd Palmer and Sean Murray, two of the bartenders there last night, made it a fun night.


We need more of these type events in the Grove. It brings the whole town out.

Don Kessler's photographs on exhibit

Don Kessler, award-winning Coconut Grove photographer, will have his art on display at Frameworks (3196 Commodore Plaza) for the whole month of April.

Meet Don in person during the First Saturday Gallery Walk on April 2 (that's next weekend). Stop by from 6 to 9 pm for refreshments and an incredible photo exhibit.

Happy Hour for a Cause at Chili's CocoWalk

Chili's and Shake-A-Leg are partnering up to raise funds. A Happy Hour for a Cause is being held on Wednesday, March 30 from 5 to 8 pm at Chili's CocoWalk.

Mention that Shake-A-Leg sent you to your server or bartender that night and 10% of your bill will go to the charity. There will be raffle prizes, too.

Please RSVP to richard@shakealegmiami.org, so he can keep a head count.

Palm Produce has free movie tix available

Palm Produce Resortwear found 10 more movie tickets for free movies at Paragon Theater. The first five people to show up will receive a pair of tickets. You must spend $50 and you must mention the Coconut Grove Grapevine to get the tix.

They are at both Palm Produce locations in the Grove -- the first floor at CocoWalk and 2911 Grand Avenue (next to The Bookstore).

Group Triathlon Training Program now in session

The Group Triathlon Training Program has been going on at RED Training Studio (3206 Grand Avenue).

This is the most comprehensive triathlon training group anywhere in South Florida. Learn and experience more about triathlon than ever before. This new training group will be for the entire 2011 season and each athlete will be racing 1-2 times per month.

You can join at any time. The training program and weekly sessions will be supervised by the very experienced and knowledgeable staff, Lee Zohlman BS, USA Triathlon Elite Level 3 Coach and Andy Clark, CSCS USA Triathlon Coach. Andy and Lee have over 25 years of combined multisport, exercise and wellness experience. With your coaches at the helm you will sail to new heights of multisport success.

There are two groups. One is for triathletes with a few years of experience and one for new athletes with little or no experience.

Each athlete will receive:
Detailed multisport training program
Choice of three weekly group sessions with either coach
Unlimited email support
Comprehensive web-based training log
15% discounts on testing/fitting and extra coaching
One seasonal personal coffee talk session wtih BZ coach

Start up fee is $50, Monthly fee is $115. Join with a partner and take $10 per month off.

You will also learn lots of valuable training and racing information at periodic free lectures. Coach Andy and Coach Lee will discuss topics ranging from Proper Fueling Strategies and Heart Rate Monitor Training to Top Recovery Tips.

Some of the races you'll be competing in include:
Nautica South Beach Triathlon - April 10, 2011
Tri Miami Sprint or Olympic Distance Tri - May 15, 2011
The Triathlon Trilogy Series, June-September 2011
Escape to Miami Triathlon - September 25, 2011
MiamiMan Triathlon - November 13, 2011

To join or to get more info, please call RED Fitness Studio at 786-218-1077.

Ms. Cheezious visited the Grove today

The Ms. Cheezious grilled cheese truck was in the Grove again today. This time they came with a little editorial sign on their window, "Legalize Food Trucks!" As you know, there has been a lot of talk by restaurants and the City, about the trucks.

There's a large food truck roundup happening at the Museum of Science for the Heart of a Chef event on April 10.

The Miami Herald ran a nice story on the trucks the other day. It's here if you missed it.

Where is Mad Men Monday?

People have been asking about Mad Men Monday, our weekly 1960s music and cocktail-fest at the Mayfair Hotel lobby bar.

Well, the Mayfair lobby bar is now the Italian restaurant called Spartico and Mad Men's new season does not start for awhile, it usually comes back in July, but according to a recent article in the New York Times, the show may be delayed due to money problems.

We aren't sure if Mad Men Monday will return to the Mayfair because of the restaurant, but why not? There's a bar there and it's a perfect night to fill the bar before dinner, we usually meet from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

We can start Mad Men Monday before the 5th season starts, we usually have reruns showing on the tv in the corner anyway. We'll see what we can come up with, I can almost taste that Tom Collins and Harvey Wallbanger now. But it's more fun to do it during the Mad Men tv season, since everyone is all about Med Men (and women) then -- it's all over tv, the news and magazines and on everyone's lips.

Intro to Kabbalah offered at Nityananda Center

The Nityananda Center (2829 Bird Ave. Ste 10) is presenting “Kabbalah Intensive," an introduction with Moses ben Israel.

The monthly intensives will introduce Kabbalah and some of its practices. In the first session learn how the "Tree of Life‟ is used as a key to unlock hidden meaning and symbolism. You'll have the opportunity to participate in a simple group ceremony, to awaken balanced union within.

Moses ben Israel (Chet Alexander) has been involved in the tradition for 35 years. The founder of Kabbalistic Shamanism, Chet has developed a contemplative kabbalistic approach to practical philosophy and ritual, for therapeutic inquiry and self realization.

Chet is the author of two published books, “John Crow Speaks” (Monkfish Publishing) and “For the Noble Ones” (LuLu). Chet and his wife Ana, run the Nityananda Center in Coconut Grove, offering Yoga, Massage, Kung Fu and Insight Classes.

The Introductory Talk is Friday, April 8 from 8:00 to 9:30 pm, the cost is $15. The next talk is Sunday, April 10 from 10 am to 4 pm, cost is $65.00. The cost of both dates if paid in advanced before April 7 is $70.00.

To sign up or for questions, please email nityanandacenter@gmail.com or call 786-333-1557.

Candlelight vigil for Japan to be held on Monday

Greenpeace and Zen Village are holding a candlelight vigil for the people of Japan. It's a way to imagine a world without nuclear disasters.

As the people of Japan continue to deal with the impacts of the earthquake and tsunami, radioactive smoke and steam still billows from the damaged reactors at the Fukushima Power Plant and over 250,000 people have been evacuated from areas up to 19 miles away from the power plant.

On Monday, March 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, people will gather at Zen Village (3570 Main Highway) to join in Greenpeace's nationwide day of candlelight vigils. March 28 is also the 32nd anniversary of the Three Mile Island incident in Pennsylvania. Prayers for Japan and hopes for a nuclear- free world will be written on paper and folded into origami cranes. It is said that whomever folds a thousand paper cranes is granted a wish -- the wish is for a world without nuclear disasters.

Stand surrounded by the glow of hundreds of candles to remember those that have suffered needlessly from nuclear disasters as leaders from South Florida's spiritual and environmental community offer their thoughts on this terrible tragedy. Speakers include Barry White of Citizen Allied for Safe Energy, South Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard, and Warren Hoskins of the Miami Quaker Friends. The vigil will end in a prayerful moment of silence led by Zen Village Master Chufei Tsai.

Please bring candles you can hold in your hand. It is also recommended to bring water (in a reusable container, naturally)

Parking will be available across the street at Ransom Everglade's school parking lot, free of charge.

Please RSVP if you are attending, so they may plan accordingly: http://us.greenpeace.org/goto/MiamiVigil

For More Information, please contact Erik Ofengand, Greenpeace Miami Senior Lead Activist at 305-979-0247 or greenpeacemiami305@gmail.com.

Oysters now part of Thirsty Thursdays at Jaguar

New at Thirsty Thursdays Happy Hour at Jaguar (3067 Grand Avenue) -- Fresh Oysters and Ceviche Shells paired with a "Piscina," which is a sparkling wine on ice.

Cost is $20 per person and includes three drinks plus the raw bar.

That's every Thursday from 6 to 9 pm.

Free Fox Elipsus concert at The Bookstore

Fox Elipsus, from the United Kingdom, is performing at The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) on Sunday, March 27 from 7 to 9 pm.

The free concert is Fox's first show in Miami in two years. It's the 253rd date of a 250-show, 12 month tour of North America.

This is the only Miami performance. Fox is trying to bring back the peaceful messages and meaning of music, like John Lennon did. He plays around the country in coffee shops, bookstores, and places like that, every show has been free.

It's a family event, all ages are welcome.

You can hear Fox here: http://www.elipsus.net/

New Club Blue networker for Boys & Girls Clubs

Club Blue Miami, a young professionals group for the Boys & Girls Clubs will host a bi-monthly networker. The fist of these meetups is at Calamari (3540 Main Highway) on Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 8 pm.

Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez will be the guest speaker.

A $25 minimum donation will include a complimentary Chivas 12, Chivas 18 or glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres. All proceeds raised will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. For more information about Club Blue Miami and its membership opportunities, please contact Liudmila Esquerdo, Membership Coordinator, at clubblue@bgcmia.org

The group is committed to creating awareness for the organization with many events during the year. Club Blue Miami hopes to attract the county's most motivated and energetic young professionals ages 45 and younger.

Israel Guevara solo exhibit at Rodez Gallery

The Rodez Gallery at CocoWalk is presenting "Hard Edge & Beyond," an Israel Guevara Solo Exhibit, for the month of April. Premiering April 2, the first Saturday, during Gallery Walk Night, Venezuelan artist Israel Guevara’s visual language will immerse you into "a creatively intellectual yet exhilarating dynamic world of amazing color through his use of sharply defined edges, geometric shapes, bright colors, and his unique and characteristic use of overlapping line-work."

His impeccable quality and provocative detail takes Hard-edge painting to a new dimension. His “teaser” style intensifies the viewer’s curiosity, luring their attention through a maze of optical illusions from every which perspective.

The Gallery Walk is from 7 to 10 pm, on April 2.

Heart of a Chef Festival features healthy eating

The Heart of a Chef (HOAC): A Foodalicious Festival is a unique culinary experience being held April 10 in collaboration with the Miami Science Museum.

The emphasis will be on the prevention of childhood obesity along with educating people of all ages to live a heart healthy lifestyle. Through this festival, the Florida Heart Research Institute will show our community how to incorporate healthy options through fun initiatives within the day’s activities.

Activities will include free food tastings, wine with the wildlife, healthy substitution seminars, chef cook-off’s between Whole Foods and Le Cordon Bleu, Miami Dade Senior High Competition and Executive Chef and Hell’s Kitchen runner up Paula DaSilva from Miami Beach's 1500 Degrees restaurant vs. 1500 Degrees' Sous Chef and fellow Hell’s Kitchen contestant Ben Walanka. Joining the teams will be 1500 Degrees kitchen staff Adrienne Grenier and Gerard Ladso Sr.

Also featured is Slow Food Movement, presenting “What’s In Your Lunch Box” and Cindy Hill, founder of Once Upon a Carrot, a community based organization dedicated to fighting childhood obesity.

Jimmy Morales and daughter Nora will be Co-Chairs of the Heart of a Chef for the second year in a row.

To purchase tickets and for more information please go to www.heartofachef.org .

Heart disease is the number one cause of death and disability in the U.S. There are more than 50,000 deaths a year attributable to cardiovascular disease, and hospitalization costs to care for this disease will top $18.6 million in 2011. FHRI was founded more than 65 years ago as Miami Heart Research Institute, an international leader with a mission to Stop Heart Disease through cardiovascular research, education, and prevention programs. For more information regarding these and other exciting projects at Florida Heart Research Institute, please contact Staci Ehrenkrantz at (305)586-7025, or visit us at www.floridaheartresearch.org.

Join Trijungle's free group run/walk each week

Trijungle, the store at 2829 Bird Avenue, that sells triathlon gear is hosting a free group run/walks every Wednesday, starting at 6:30 pm. The group is organized by Star Endurance Club, and open to all training levels. And as host, Trijungle serves up excellent hospitality in the form of raffles, store discounts and special events throughout the year. So stop by tonight and join the group.

Magui Martinez-Pena, owner and certified triathlon coach, has expanded Trijungle and now displays more of its impressive inventory of trisuits, wetsuits, tri shorts, nutrition and beyond by brands including Orca, Compression and Garmin.

Trijungle is open Monday through Friday from 10–7 pm and Saturday from 12–5 pm, they are on the second floor of the Grove Center Mall. And arrive in your running shoes every Wednesday evening for the Group Run/Walk. For more information, call 305-460-9980.

Getting the name right is half the battle

Ever since the neighbors near Merrie Christmas Park won their battle over the workout equipment issue, they feel empowered.

I get emails quite often now with the ideas they have about things they would like to see done with the park. Many complain about litter, others complain about parking problems, most don't like outsiders there, but they should be reminded that outsiders like myself are the ones who helped them win their cause with the Commissioner. I don't think that much would have been done if the media didn't shed light on the issue.

But the funniest part about many of these park protectors is that they don't know how to spell the name of the park correctly. It's Merrie Christmas, not Merry Christmas. It's named after the daughter of a former mayor of Miami. He was Mayor for only two years in the 1950s and was a City Commissioner for a couple of years, before that.

But I joke with them when they email me because they claim to love the park so much yet they don't know how to correctly spell the name.

Tweetup at Sandbar this Friday

The next New Times Tweetup is at the Sandbar Grill (3064 Grand Avenue) on Friday, March 25 from 7 to 9 pm.

Come in for complimentary drinks and light bites, free swag and meet lots of Tweeters. You can follow the Grapevine on twitter at http://twitter.com/grovegrapevine

Sony Ericsson off court action party at CocoWalk

The Sony Ericsson Open is continuing to uphold its reputation as one of the most anticipated stops on both the Assoc. of Tennis Professionals and World Tennis Assoc. tours not only because of the tremendous tennis, but the excitement off the court as well. The tennis event provides a two-week entertainment experience with daily on-site live performances and off-site guest appearances around South Florida.

At left is Robin Söderling, Swedish tennis player, with CocoWalk's Naomi Evans at last year's event.

Sony Ericsson Open activities are not only limited to ticket holders either, but extend throughout the South Florida community. For the fifth consecutive year the Open is taking tennis to the people through its Party Tour, taking place during the first week of the tournament. The tour will stop at CocoWalk in Thursday, March 24 at 7:00 pm. This will give fans a chance to enjoy much of what the Sony Ericsson Open has to offer.

The night includes a live broadcast from Power 96 FM and tennis enthusiasts can watch the pros on a large video board featuring highlights from the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open, have the opportunity to win some giveaways, and get autographs from ATP and WTA Tour players. The event is free. Stanislas Wawrinka, 13th ATP rank from Switzerland and Agnieszka Radwanska, 14th ranked WTA player from Poland will be at CocoWalk to meet you.

Tickets to the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open are on sale now and can be purchased by phone (305-442-3367) or via internet at www.sonyericssonopen.com. An electrifying two weeks of tennis conclude with the women’s final on Saturday, April 3 and the men’s final on Sunday, April 4.

When the BID says "no," just ask the City

There is concern over the proposed FICPA 1040K Run that is to take place in Coconut Grove on April 15. The run has taken place for 22 consecutive years in Coconut Grove but this year there is a problem with coordination with the Coconut Grove BID (Business Improvement District).

The organization, the FICPA Educational Foundation, approached the BID last week to ask for permission to hold the run, but the BID turned them down due to timing. Applications must be submitted to the BID a full 60 days before an event, the event planners only gave them about 30 days' notice.

Having been burned the previous week by the organizers of the Colombian Parade, which marched down South Bayshore Drive, without the blessings of the majority of the BID members, the BID was very adamant about event organizers adhering to the rules at the last BID marketing committee meeting.

The rub is that the 1040K group doesn't care what the BID has to say, they are going full speed ahead, they have distributed 20,000 applications, including ads and flyers, which may be seen all around the Grove. I have witnessed quite a few business owners pick up the flyers and dump them out of frustration because of the conflict between the BID and the 1040K group.

One problem is that the FICPA Educational Foundation has ignored the BID and proceeded to deal with the City, making the BID appear as a useless joke again, since it seems that what the BID says doesn't mean a thing. You go to the BID one day, request something, are turned down and all you have to do is go behind their back the next day and get what you want from the City or at some secret meeting held by a handful of connected BID members.

Another problem is that on the city application filed, the organizers of the event say that they are not a charity. But in reality they are a 301(c)(3).

Jason Zaborske, Development Manager of the FICPA Educational Foundation, tells me that since 1989, this particular race has generated approximately $200,000 in scholarship funds to African-American accounting students in South Florida.

"This year we will provide three students with $3000 scholarships each at the race on April 15," says Jason. Jason also showed me a copy of their 501(c)(3) certificate.

Frankie J. Ruiz, Chief Running Officer of USRS, US Road Sports & Entertainment Group, which produces the event has reached out to the City to override the BID. In an email sent to District Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, he blames the BID for standing in his way for basically enforcing the law. In the email he says, "The Special Events office didn't inform us that the BID was now strictly enforcing the 60-day rule, keep in mind that the BID is relatively new so the process has been cloudy for the last several years."

The 22 year old race will probably go on. The City will override the BID as is usually the case, which is a major issue here in Coconut Grove and the BID seems to not want to put the City on the spot by standing up for itself. So it will be business as usual until someone says something.

The arrogance of the race organizers is not helping in the standoff. To circulate the flyers all over the Grove and to proceed as if they have every right is not going to help them in future Grove endeavors. I am told this by certain BID and business members in the Grove community. I sort of have this feeling about the organization myself, even though Jason and the charity itself mean well.

At the BID meeting last week, one of the ladies presenting for the FICPA said that if they are not wanted in the Grove, they will take their event to Coral Gables. Who is stopping them?

CocoWalk seeking "incredible individual"

CocoWalk is seeking nominations for one incredible individual in Coconut Grove who you think deserves a shopping spree, courtesy of CocoWalk Merchants.

Please email marketingintern@cocowalk.net with one paragraph describing why your nominee
deserves to be chosen.

The deadline for nomination is Thursday, March 24 at 5 pm.

NOTE: Please stop emailing me your nominees. The nominees go to marketingintern@cocowalk.net. Thanks.

Howl in the Woods concert at Shell Lumber

Howl in the Woods is back at Shell Lumber (2733 SW 27 Avenue) this week. Saturday, March 26, Solar Dogs will be peforming at the 2nd annual event from 7 to 11 pm.

Art will be displayed by about a dozen Grove artists and a cash bar and food will be available. Entry fee is $10. Proceeds go to Miami Music Project.

Grove Slam getting ready to celebrate 10 years

The 10th Annual Sea Vee / Mercury Grove SLAM! is being hosted at Shake-A-Leg Miami right in the heart of the Grove on April 28 to 30.


To celebrate 10 years, they are celebrating everything "10" like:
- $10,000.00 first place
- First fish weighing 10.10 pounds wins $1,000.00 cash on the spot
- Any team's dolphin weighing xx.10 pounds win $100.00 cash on the spot
- There will be 10 boat wash girls
- They'll have only perfect 10's for the Bikini Contest

Check http://www.groveslam!com/ for details.


Photos courtesy GroveSlam!

Spankyfest raises money for Humane Society

Spankyfest, the bar crawl, took place Saturday, to rasie money for the Humane Society of Greater Miami.


There was lots of music, drinking and money raised for the cause. Hernan Cespedes, left, ran the event.



The crawl started at The Grove Spot and then made its way through town. Fat Tuesday, The Burgunday Room, the Sandbar, The Tavern, Barracuda, El Sitio and Mr. Moe's participated.


El Taquito and CocoWalk Cigars also were stops along the way.